Is a Hateful Voter Worth the Pandering?

How does a working politician deal with aberrant zealots who inevitably show up and speak out at campaign stops?

Senator John McCain, in the midst of his 2008 run for the White House, set a certain standard when a woman at a Minnesota gathering complained about his opponent: “I can’t trust Obama. I have read about Obama and he’s not uh — he’s an Arab.”

Mr. McCain quickly reclaimed the microphone. “No, ma’am,” he said. “He’s a decent family man (and) citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that’s what this campaign’s all about.” To the “Arab” characterization, the senator added in a matter-of-fact tone: “He’s not.”

A similar test arose this month for former Senator Rick Santorum, who seems to be running again for the Republican presidential nomination. He faced a long, ranting question in South Carolina from a woman furious about President Obama who demanded to know “why is the Congress rolling over and letting this communist dictator destroy my country?” “Obama tried to blow up a nuke in Charleston a few months ago,” she went on, repeating a bit of apocalyptic fantasy that’s making the rounds of right-wing fringe groups. “He’s not a citizen.”

When Mr. Santorum responded, he stressed he is no longer in the Senate and “I’m not taking blame for any of that stuff.” He did not try to correct the factual record. Instead he cited President Obama for “a complete lack of leadership,” adding, “the word ‘tyrant’ comes to mind.” He drew applause for his efforts.

Seven years ago, Sen. McCain was repeatedly booed when he dared to set the record straight. “Liar!” one listener shouted. “Terrorist!” shouted another about Mr. Obama. “C’mon, John!” one yelled in dismay at the candidate. Some criticize Mr. McCain for his response to the term “Arab.” But it was clear his main concern in that encounter was to not tolerate the personal hatefulness toward Mr. Obama repeatedly encountered on the trail. At the Minnesota gathering, he refused to back down, stirring fresh boos as he insisted, “I admire Sen. Obama and his accomplishments. I will respect him.”